Alabama group proves critical praise no fluke

With its seventh album, alt-country group Drive-By Truckers expands its influences.

By Walton Murphy

Published April 18, 2006

Lofty standards have been set for Alabama's Drive-By Truckers. Formed in 1996 by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, the group released three albums before 2001's breakthrough Southern Rock Opera. The album received critical praise as well as underground success. Heralded as rock revivalists, the group's southern rock-infused alt-country has led many to claim the band is rejuvenating classic rock. The group followed with 2003's Decoration Day and 2004's The Dirty South, which included the addition of bassist Shonna Tucker. Drive-By Truckers' latest release, A Blessing and a Curse, shows a veteran group continuing to refine and reshape its acclaimed music.

The album opens with "Feb 14," a twangy, guitar-driven track that jaunts along beautifully to the tight beat of drummer Brad Morgan and the solid rhythm of bassist Tucker.

Although the instrumentation has a strict Southern-rock feel, Hood's raspy vocals contain a sneer recalling the early alternative rock of The Replacements.

The highlight of the Drive-By Truckers' music is the band's ability to intertwine these rather contrasting musical styles into compelling songs. This is most evident in guitarist/vocalist Jason Isbell's songs, which are the album's most instantly accessible tracks.

Isbell's cool vocals glide effortlessly along the gritty, distorted guitars on "Easy On Yourself." And on "Daylight," his smooth singing complements the blues-infected guitar riffs. The song would be a sure radio hit in a perfect world with its catchy-yet-emotional verse that recalls the '70s rock of both Bruce Springsteen and the Eagles, while the chorus leaps out at listeners. "While we still have the daylight/I might look these lessons in the eye/While we still have the daylight/I might become some brand-new kinda guy," howls Isbell, during the album's highlight.

The band's ability to craft a passionate, driving rock song is undeniable. Guitarist/vocalist Mike Cooley's "Gravity Gone" implements tasty slide guitar, which complementing Cooley's southern drawl, reminiscent of a gritty Van Morrison.

A Blessing and a Curse's lack of a concise style actually works in the group's favor. Hood, Cooley and Isbell each have distinct musical voices.

Listeners can hear the experienced musicians feeding one another's influences, which result in an infectious array of both old and new.

Drive-By Truckers' most commonly cited influence — Lynyrd Skynyrd — appears on "Aftermath USA." Combining a rootsy lead guitar, balancing bass and an aggressive vocal attack, Drive-By Truckers rock as hard as any Skynyrd-loyal fan could ask.

Drive-By Truckers are the real deal, an authentic rock 'n' roll group with songs that emit the taste of whiskey and smell of cigarette butts.

The band's music forces an audience to stand up and take notice. A Blessing and a Curse proves that Drive-By Truckers are both willing and capable of being labeled the "saviors of classic rock."